Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)

Last updated: 20 May 2013

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme

The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme helps financially disadvantaged people experiencing difficulty paying their electricity or gas bill because of a crisis or emergency situation. The scheme helps people stay connected to essential energy services during a financial crisis. This scheme is not available on an ongoing basis.  EAPA is only one type of assistance available and should not be considered as the only option for those unable to pay their electricity or gas bill.  For information on other long term energy assistance measures visit www.cutyourpowerbills.nsw.gov.au or call the Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888.  

The Energy Assistance Guide and Fact Sheets are also available to assist community workers and their clients.  The Guide provides a ‘one stop shop’ of information to be used in assisting households manage their energy use.   Fact Sheet 5 may be particularly useful as it outlines a range of different financial assistance options that may be available. 

How does the EAPA Scheme work?

The EAPA Scheme operates through a voucher system. Each voucher is worth $30.

EAPA vouchers are issued by a participating community welfare organisation (CWO) such as St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Anglicare and many others. The customer needs to apply to one of these organisations which will consider their claim and, if appropriate, provide assistance. The CWO assesses the customer's situation and determines each case based on individual circumstances.

Customers can take their vouchers with their bill to an Australia Post outlet (if their energy supplier accepts vouchers via Australia Post) or post to their energy supplier as soon as possible and within 14 days of receipt.  The supplier will credit the value of the voucher towards the customer’s account.

Note: Before contacting a CWO to make an appointment for an EAPA assessment, please contact your electricity or gas supplier to find out what payment plans and other assistance might be available. You may be able to agree on a payment plan with your supplier to suit your financial situation.

Can EAPA vouchers be used to pay gas bills?

Yes. Vouchers can be used to pay natural gas bills but not for liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Which community welfare organisations are EAPA Providers in my area?

• List of community welfare organisations (425 Kb)  updated 20 May 2013

Further information

For general information on energy issues or other energy assistance options, contact:

• your electricity or gas supplier;
• the Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888; or
• email energy.info@industry.nsw.gov.au .